Lot 275

Houdini TLS to Lifelong Friend W. Goldston Recommending a Magician in "mental card tricks" to the Magician's Club

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Houdini TLS to Lifelong Friend W. Goldston Recommending a Magician in "mental card tricks" to the Magician's Club

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000

Current Bid: $650

(4 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Harry Houdini
Saint Louis, MO, January 11, 1924
Houdini TLS to Lifelong Friend W. Goldston Recommending a Magician in "mental card tricks" to the Magician's Club
TLS and Photograph

Harry Houdini typed letter signed together with a photograph. Letter is 1 p. on Melbourne Hotel letterhead, 6.625" x 8.25"; Saint Louis, Missouri; January 11th 1924. Houdini writes to Will Goldston, fellow magician and treasurer of the Magician's Club, asking that he send a "proposition blank" to E.B. Heller, who "is anxious to become a member." Signed, "Houdini." Together with a sepia toned head shot of Houdini (4.75" x 6.625"), stamped: "Houdini Original / Harry Houdini Collection" on the verso. Letter has been clipped at top left, with multiple pin holes in left margin, and slight showthrough from adhesive staining on verso. Letter has multiple creases and mounting remnants on verso. Great association and magic content.

Letter appears to have been quickly typed, likely by Houdini, as it contains multiple typos and the final paragraph states he is "Rushing this away ere I forget." Letter reads in part (as typed):

"Have had a nu ber of visist with E.B Heller 804 North Broadway St Louis Mo. and he is anxious to become member or Life Member of the Magicians Club.

Will you please send him proposition blank and accept me as his 1/2ro1/2pser. His brother George Heller is the pne I 1/2roposed from New York.

Heller is a clothing merchant, an exceptionall clever performer, working principally mental card tricks. He is president of the St Louis of S.A.M."

The Magician's Club was founded in 1911 at the suggestion of Goldston in response to the exclusivity of The Magic Circle. Houdini and Goldston were part of the original founding members, with Houdini serving as president and Goldston as treasurer. By 1924, its status amongst magicians rivaled that of the older Magic Circle. Houdini served as its president until his death in 1926, at which time Goldston assumed leadership of the Club.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8".25" x 6.625" and 4.75" x 6.625"
  • Medium: TLS and Photograph

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000